New Classroom, Big Dreams

Hello! I am starting at a new district this year, teaching World History I & II to students in Paterson. Though I am a veteran teacher with a decade of experience, this is going to be the very FIRST classroom that is truly all my own. In all of my previous years as an educator, I've had teacher-roommates who have been long established in our shared space, and there wasn't much room for me to make additions. Therefore, I am starting a new teacher classroom decoration hoard from scratch!

My new classroom is currently completely bare, and there are supplies absent from the space that I'll need to help me and my students have a successful year. Since I'm starting from square one, the financial hurdle is significant. The biggest-ticket items are furniture; there is no room in the school budget to further furnish my room, but it's not set up in a way that's comfortable or effective. On the bright side, those purchases will hopefully serve me and my students for many years of my teaching career.

Everything marked with a check in the list below is something I have already purchased. The goal for this fund is to recoup some of what I have already laid out so that this isn't a huge financial hit for me. Any funds in excess of my current expenses will be put towards going beyond the basics, such as specialty supplies and stocking the empty bookshelves in my room; I'd love to have a lending library for the kids!

I truly appreciate anything you may be able to contribute. Thank you so much!

Purchase List

✅ Lectern

✅ Drafting chair

✅ Small bookshelf (from the ReStore)

✅ Magnets for whiteboard

✅ Bluetooth speaker

✅ Heavy duty plastic two-pocket folders

✅ Upside down world political map

✅ Giant world map, current to 2025

✅ International flags of the world banners

✅ Desk flags x2

✅ Full-sized flags x2 (Yugoslavia, Albania)

✅ Gorilla mounting putty x3

✅ Safe space progress flag vinyl door decal

✅ Air Wick essential mist starter kit

✅ Air Wick essential mist refills

✅ Wireless presentation clicker (the last one broke)

✅ History posters - forms of government x16

✅ Retractable badge carabiner

✅ Sharpies (various)

✅ 6x2 Carpet

✅ Scrapbook tape

✅ Whiteboard magnets

✅ Magnetic push pins x80

✅ Push pin clips x30

✅ Desk lamp (USB-C chargeable)

✅ Power strip with surge protector

HDMI cable